The Los Angeles Kings have already made a decision on where Jacob Moverare will play next season. The 20-year old defenseman will return to the SHL to play for Frolunda once again, meaning another year of his entry-level deal will be burned without him suiting up in the organization.
Drafted 112th overall in 2016, Moverare signed his entry-level deal just a few weeks later. The deal slid forward for two seasons as the young defenseman suited up in the OHL, but after turning 20 it kicked in for 2018-19. He spent last season in the SHL with Frolunda, scoring seven points in 42 games but being a bigger contributor in their ultimately successful playoff run for both the SHL title and Champions Hockey League championship. Spending this year overseas again will leave him with one season left (2020-21) on his entry-level deal, after which he will be a restricted free agent.
Even if the Kings do end up burning through his entry-level deal, they obviously feel as though his development is best served playing at home. Frolunda is considered one of the best organizations in Sweden and should provide another solid opportunity for the young defenseman to take his game to the next level. Not much of an offensive player, the 6’3″ Moverare could still develop into a legitimate defensive option at the NHL level with his long reach and solid awareness.
Despite being loaned, Moverare will still count towards the Kings’ 50-contract limit, a number which they are relatively close to reaching depending on what they do with some of their young prospects that might not count depending on where they spend 2019-20.